Friday, June 27, 2014

This week on the Lil Pip Facebook page for our regular Friday fun post, I am asking what is your favourite colour.﻿

It probably comes as no surprise that my favourite colour is purple! Growing up (in the 80s!), I had my room painted purple with beautiful Laura Ashley bedspread and matching curtains. I only recently asked my mum if I ever liked another colour after seeing how obssessed my Miss 5 is with pink (although she is wearing all different colours now but there was a period where it was pink and only pink). Mum said I never liked pink and just always loved purple. Certainly now I like wearing purple or green for a bit of colour. As a fair headed red head, I'm limited with what I think suits me - I really struggled in that whole pastel trend!So what is your favourite colour? Do you have different colours you prefer to wear than your favourite colour or do you cover yourself with it?

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

When
Christie from Blaverry asked if I would review one of her patterns, I jumped at
the opportunity. Her latest line is nautical inspired, clean lines with so much
scope for personalisation.

I
asked Christie to tell me a little about her business:

“Blaverry
was born from a personal need to create high end commercial style clothing at
an affordable cost. I demand the best quality fabrics, construction and style
for my children but sometimes my taste doesn't always match my wallet so Blaverry
was born. If you prefer to have your children looking classy and cute then Blaverry
is sure to be just what you are looking for.”

And
the name?

“The
name came from parts of each of my 3 kids first names... Blayne (bl), Gavin
(av), and Ferry (erry)”

Having
a boy myself, what can we make for boys?

“I
will start adding a boy’s line to my patterns for Fall/Winter 2014 (our
Spring/Summer inAustralia!). In the meantime, the boat neck tee and reversible
hoodie are both gender neutral.”

Thanks
Christie, now for the review.

‘Star’ Boat neck tee by
Blaverry

If you
have been reading my blog for a while you will know that I have been pushing
myself more and more to sew with knit. Anything stretchy used to scare me but
not anymore.

I was
surprised when I went to print the pattern out. What I thought were usual
instructions actually were quite different. This is the first time I have ever
received a pattern that was all in one sheet. So yes you could go to
Officeworks or similar and print out one page or in my case, select A3 size and
have less cutting to put it together. Bonus!

This
pattern is beautifully simple in design and construction with lovely details.
It essentially has three pieces (each cut twice) so very quick to put together.

I only
used a 1cm hem (rather than 1 inch) on the arms and body as I wanted them to be
a little longer since it is winter here. Using the overlocker/serger is very
fast and the rest of the pattern is finished with a twin needle. I would
recommend you get one that is designed for stretch fabric. I get mine from my
local sewing store rather than the big fabric shops (wink wink you know who I
mean!).

Miss 5
is very happy with her new top and thank you to my amazing neighbour (who blogs
at EmThreads) who came to my
rescue to take photos when I ran out of daylight hours on the weekend. I’m
rather inclined to get her to take all my photos considering how amazing they
look but I think I should just work on improving my own skills!

Check
out all the new nautical patterns on Blaverry
– which one would you make?

Will I
make this again? – absolutely. Great pattern which goes to size 12 so will last
a long time with my little Miss 5.

Will I
make this to sell for Lil Pip? – no my knit creations are just for the owlets.

She did so well considering how cold it was and then it started raining!

Difficulty (1-10 scale with 1 being easy
and 10 hard): If you are a pro with stretch fabrics then you won’t find this
challenging – 3 on my easy scale. If you haven’t sewn knits before, I think
this is a great beginner patter.

Time: 30 minutes to sew and a few
minutes to cut!

(Lil
Pip received the pattern to review, all opinions expressed are my own)

Friday, June 20, 2014

On the Lil Pip Facebook page, I have been posting Friday fun things. Little questions to learn more about you and me.

So today it is -

This one is easy for me, I don't drink any Cola. Every so often I have a diet Coke and I'm reminded why I don't. If I'm out I tend to have mineral water or lemon, lime and bitters. I get my caffiene hit through coffee!So what is your preference - Coke, Pepsi or something else?

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

I’ve
been admiring the shorts that Pam from Threading my Way has been making for
such a long time (see link here which then links to her many
versions!). So when I was looking for a new pattern, I took a look a closer
look these. Shorts and pants in one pattern, sizes 12 months to 12 years –
winner!

For this version I added a contrasting solid green for the side seam pockets.

Fishsticks Designs The Mud
Puddle Splashers

There
are quite a few options for you to personalise your shorts or pants with this
pattern. Firstly you can make either shorts or pants, add side pockets, add a
back pocket, add faux fly details and include cuffs.

I love
the slimmer fit of these shorts compared to others I have tried. Adding the
cuffs means you can drop them down as they grow and add a little length. My
minis just seem to get taller rather than wider.

I love these denim version!

I will
admit the first time I made the shorts, I might have sewn the pockets on the
wrong end. It is worth keeping your pattern attached to the fabric or pinning a
size label at the top so you don’t get them mixed up. It is more obvious on the
larger sizes but on the little ones, the top and bottom are virtually the same!

I had
Master 7’s help in designing the pants. I wasn’t sure if I would be adding them
to the Lil Pip range (and at this stage I won’t be) so I wanted to make
something just for him. He chose the cord fabric and the red stripe from my
stash. I’m so pleased that months after I made these they are in regular
rotation in his wardrobe. An achievement with an almost 8 year old boy.

Hard to tell from the photo but the side seam and back pockets are red tonal stripe

These
shorts are a comfortable fit (or so I’m told), allowing for what boys do best –
extreme playing at the same time as extra details that make these a little more
special.

I love the little peek of the orange pocket there.

Will I
make this again? – absolutely. Great pattern

Will I
make this to sell for Lil Pip? – these shorts will be available at my markets
September, October and November and online soon

Fabric: Shorts are Riley Blake Designs
Hoo's in the Forest Plaid Blue by Doohikey Designs – found a little end of bolt
on Etsy here
but this is an old fabric so if you like it, grab it now! Pants are a cord from
Spotlight and Robert Kaufman Dr Seuss Grinch Christmas Tonal Stripe Scarlet Red
also from Spotlight. You can find it here on eBay
or in the Fat
Quarter Shop.

Difficulty (1-10 scale with 1 being easy
and 10 hard): can I say they are 3 – 5 depending on what options you include.
If you just do the straight sew then they are super easy, adding pockets, faux fly
and cuffs just adds a little more of a challenge

Time: I would allow 1 – 1.5 hours
to sew depending on the extra details.

(Lil
Pip has received no payment or sponsorship for this review – I do it because I
want to share my experiences)

Please excuse the tired eyes (entire house sick at the moment) and the dead roses that need pruning!!

Luvinthemommyhood Commuter Cowl

This pattern was included in the Sew Fab Bundle last year. (If you haven't already, sign up for the newsletter to find out about the releases of their bundles - they are awesome!). I don't usually realise the full potential of the bundles until 6 months later since I live in the Southern Hemisphere. This pattern was definately on my 'to do' list.

The whole idea of the Lil Pip Challenge is to try teach and challenge my next door neighbour Emily (who blogs about her new sewing advertures on EmThreads). I wanted something quick and easy she could make for herself. This certainly ticks the boxes:

Quick - took just 30 minutes to sew, including the hand stitching

Economical - just 1/2 yard of fabric or 3/4 yard if you want it a little bigger. Depending on your fabric choice, that is price effective!

Easy - other than me freaking out when I cut it, thinking I did it all wrong (ruining the fabric in the process) and then working out what Shannon meant by 'seal the circles together, sort of like they are kissing'

Creative - depending on your fabric choice and colour decisions, you can make this personal and perfect for you!

I knew exactly what fabric I wanted to use. Something bright, with blues and greens and not something I would wear as say a skirt but very happy to have a little accessory with punch!

My thoughtful, serious face (lol!)

I have some beautiful purple wool fabric at home (yes my favourite colour) so I can't wait to make another cowl that would be a little warmer than this cotton version. Flannelette would be nice too!What do you think? Are you planning on making one for the June challenge? If you join us, use the hashtag #lilpipchallenge in social media so we can follow you, join the Flickr group, use the blog button >>> and please link your blog post in the Linky Party so we can find you!

Thursday, June 5, 2014

In early May I announced a sewing /crafty challenge. It has been so much fun seeing what everyone has created. I had hoped that I would be able to show you my finished product but alas I still have to sew a few seams and take photos. I'm going to be a little kind on myself though as I have had a house full of sick people, a guest staying and now I'm coming down with this terrible flu going around too. So you know what, I'm going to show you next week!Instead, I will share a few of my favourites:

First up is my neighbour Emily - who started a new blog, EmThreads, based on us sewing together (yay!). Please go say hi from me. I think she did a great job - I mean come on, check out the points on that ball. For a novice, that is ah-maze-ing!!

Next is Amy from Lady Bugs and Daisychains who made an adorable version with such bright dino fabric for her boys. I love that her eldest (who to me is still little) is already happily playing with them.

Finally, Mel from Mellywood's Mansion made this awesome version which just sends me straight back to the 80s with those colours and designs! So much fun.

I have to say that I actually finished my bowling set and quickly whiped up the cowl the same day. Seriously it is a 1/2 hour sew - max! Love something for me that I can make so quickly. Helps I just went straight to my stash to a fabric I've been 'saving' (ie reluctant to cut) and didn't have to buy something specific. I will be back next week (now I have batteries in my camera) to show you my version.

Just google the pattern name and you will see so many different versions out there in blogland. I love that I can draw inspiration from others but also make something that is uniquely me. How cool is this version with little dachshunds!

August - thinking we might make a skirt or dress but let you source your own pattern since everyone is different?

September - Crayon Art Folio by Gingercake or your own version depending on your needs. Could be a notebook style cover or recipe book cover as a Christmas present. Or a car caddy. For my Lalaloopsy crazy girl, I was thinking something for her to carry them out and about in.

If you have any ideas for future challenges, let me know with a comment. The idea is to be doing something different so it doesn't have to just be sewing related.

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Sometimes
you just need to make basics. Things that aren’t that exciting but later you
realise are as essential as another pretty little dress or shorts. It isn’t
likely that anyone else will ever see these but the pure joy on my little man’s
face when I finished them was totally worth it.

Now
this post comes with a big apology. I have my own rule with my blog to never
use iPhone photos (I even blogged about the use of phone photos in my five tips for apply for a
market last
year). BUT my little boy has been wearing these PJs for a couple of weeks and
as I put them on him last night I realised he already has some sort of food
stains down the front, add to that my camera just ran out of batteries and that
I didn’t want to delay this any longer – you are just going to have to deal
with the iPhone photos I took for Instagram!! Sorry! (But really they aren’t
that bad are they?)

This is such a weird pose. It cracks me up everytime I look at it!

Alex and Anna winter PJs by
peek-a-boo Pattern Shop

I
actually have done a review (of sorts!) already for this pattern as I used it
for the top I made during the Spring has Sprung blog tour last year. I still thought it
was worthwhile sharing with you as I made the whole outfit as per the pattern.

My handsome,
opinionated, future designer 7 year old son choose the material he wanted and
specifically directed exactly how he wanted these constructed. Who am I to
argue with him? If it means he is more likely to wear them, I’m in. And
seriously, how much longer am I going to be able to make ‘handmade’ clothes for
him before that becomes daggy or it is all about the latest ‘cool’ clothes or
must have labels?

I have
learnt from my previous creations with this pattern designer and did measure my
son before cutting and creating. Who else just ‘assumes’ and makes the size to
find out later something is too big or too small? Is it just me that mainly
makes things when the kids aren’t home or in bed asleep? I made a size 7 this
time and it was a perfect fit for him.

I was
concerned about the fit of these pants, that they might be a little snugger
than he is used to but he really loves them and they seem like a really comfy
fit to sleep in.

I
hadn’t ever made a waistband the way this pattern suggests and it was really
fun to do it. I really love picking up little pointers with every pattern I
make. It feels like I’m still growing as a sewist every, single day. I don’t
assume to know everything but it is great to keep learning.

I made
these just before mother’s day and I love that he wrote on one of those little
‘about mum’ type forms that ‘mummy sews shirts and shorts for me that I design’.
Nawwwwhhhh.

Yep I'm a terrible mother making him pose for photos!

Will I
make this again? - absolutely. I should some for Miss 5 shouldn’t I?Will I
make this to sell for Lil Pip? – not at this stage